Taufel to retire after World Twenty20

The Australian umpire Simon Taufel will step down from the ICC's elite panel at the end of the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. He will be replaced by his countryman Bruce Oxenford, who will join the elite panel from November 1, having impressed the ICC with his work at international level over the past few years.

Taufel, 41, will take up the newly-created role of umpire performance and training manager with the ICC, a job that he hopes will allow him to spend more time at home in Sydney with his wife and children after nearly a decade of travelling the world as a match official. Taufel was named the ICC's Umpire of the Year five successive times from 2004 to 2008 and has remained one of the game's most respected umpires throughout his career.

In 2011, he stood in the World Cup final and has also been in the middle for the deciders of the World Twenty20 in 2007 and 2009, as well as the Champions Trophy in 2004. However, Taufel also endured the horror of being part of the group of officials shot at during the terrorist attack in Pakistan in 2009.

"Following the ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012, I'm moving on from active international umpiring for personal and professional reasons," Taufel said. "My wife and children have supported me immensely throughout my career and it is time for me to spend more time with them.

"My passion for cricket umpiring and personal professional development has shifted from on the field to off the field. In my new position as ICC umpire performance and training manager, I look forward to help create professional programmes and resources to support the current and future generations of cricket match officials. The new role includes working closely with the national cricket federations which is really exciting as is continuing to work with the entire cricket community in helping the development of our cricket umpires."

The ICC's chief executive, Dave Richardson, said: "Simon has been one of the most respected umpires for over a decade due to his excellent decision-making and man-management skills. He has been a role model for umpires globally who look to him for inspiration and guidance.

"I am delighted that he will be working with us to groom and develop the next generation of elite umpires and have no doubt that he will be equally successful in his new role as ICC's umpire performance and training manager. In the meantime I know that Simon, thorough professional that he is, will want to focus on the job at hand, that of getting things right on the field, something he has done as well as any other umpire in the history of the game."

Taufel will leave the game having stood in 74 Test matches and 174 one-day internationals. He made his international debut at the age of 27 in a one-day international in Sydney in 1999 and his first Test appearance came in the Boxing Day Test of 2000, when he was 29.

A former leading schoolboy cricketer in Sydney, Taufel was a fast bowler who played in teams alongside Michael Slater and Adam Gilchrist. However, a back injury ended his playing career and he took to umpiring at a young age.

His replacement on the international panel, Oxenford, is a former first-class cricketer who played eight matches for Queensland in the early 1990s. Oxenford, 52, made his debut as an international umpires in a T20 match in early 2006 and over the past three years has regularly been appointed to tours outside Australia as part of the ICC's international panel.

"Bruce is a very experienced and respected umpire, and follows a long line of elite Australian umpires," Vince van der Bijl, the ICC's umpire and referee manager, said. "He has been umpiring at the first-class level for well over a decade and is committed and dedicated to officiating. We are delighted to welcome Bruce, who will add his own brand of professionalism, energy and love of umpiring to the elite panel."

The best umpire.Always professional,unbiased.friendly,polite and had a smile on his face everytime.Will be missed for sure.Best of luck for the future sir.

POSTED BY
cricbee
on | September 27, 2012, 7:43 GMT

When India is batting esp.Sachin, I feel a great sense of comfort when Simon is umpiring, more than an Indian umpire.. All the best to your future. I left a bright mark on cricketing history.

POSTED BY
on | September 27, 2012, 7:39 GMT

Very good umpire he wasn't biased like Billy Doctrove thank God he retired a few months back.

POSTED BY
jmoses
on | September 27, 2012, 7:09 GMT

He is no doubt the best umpire and makes the correct decisions most of the time. I remember when he was new at international level he gave some dreadful decisions but over the course of time he improved his decision making ability and became a very good umpire.

POSTED BY
manasranjan786
on | September 27, 2012, 6:56 GMT

He is unarguably the best umpire the world has seen. Very calm collected at all situations, very professional and accurate and unbaised , a perfectinist in this job.
Salute to him and wishing him all success in his future role.

POSTED BY
mrmonty
on | September 27, 2012, 6:03 GMT

What a loss this would be? The guy has 10 times more accuracy than a hawkeye.

POSTED BY
satanswish
on | September 27, 2012, 6:01 GMT

One of the greatest umpires cricket ever saw. You will be missed, Simon and all the very best for your future endeavors.

POSTED BY
Balumekka
on | September 27, 2012, 5:57 GMT

Its sad that we won't see him on the middle. Probably the best umpire we have seen after retirement of Dickey Bird. Very accurate, friendly yet authoritative. He had set high standards for umpiring which were followed by people like Aleem Dar and Dharmasena.

POSTED BY
on | September 27, 2012, 5:38 GMT

@KALPANA I was feeling so sad and depressed while reading these comments about losing the best umpire and a true gentleman we all loved, but your comments really made me laugh " why such a decision, JUST TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH HIS FAMILY, HE WILL GET BORED OF IT IN A FEW YEARS" ( By 'IT' you obviously meant his wife ). I understand your emotions and your anguish at the reason of his retirement. Thank you for cheering me up.

POSTED BY
FazleAbed
on | September 27, 2012, 5:25 GMT

Thanks to Yuvraj. For him he was able to stood as umpire in 2011 world cup. Congrats for a wonderful career. Thank you so much. Wish you all the happiness in your near future.

POSTED BY
on | September 27, 2012, 10:17 GMT

The best umpire.Always professional,unbiased.friendly,polite and had a smile on his face everytime.Will be missed for sure.Best of luck for the future sir.

POSTED BY
cricbee
on | September 27, 2012, 7:43 GMT

When India is batting esp.Sachin, I feel a great sense of comfort when Simon is umpiring, more than an Indian umpire.. All the best to your future. I left a bright mark on cricketing history.

POSTED BY
on | September 27, 2012, 7:39 GMT

Very good umpire he wasn't biased like Billy Doctrove thank God he retired a few months back.

POSTED BY
jmoses
on | September 27, 2012, 7:09 GMT

He is no doubt the best umpire and makes the correct decisions most of the time. I remember when he was new at international level he gave some dreadful decisions but over the course of time he improved his decision making ability and became a very good umpire.

POSTED BY
manasranjan786
on | September 27, 2012, 6:56 GMT

He is unarguably the best umpire the world has seen. Very calm collected at all situations, very professional and accurate and unbaised , a perfectinist in this job.
Salute to him and wishing him all success in his future role.

POSTED BY
mrmonty
on | September 27, 2012, 6:03 GMT

What a loss this would be? The guy has 10 times more accuracy than a hawkeye.

POSTED BY
satanswish
on | September 27, 2012, 6:01 GMT

One of the greatest umpires cricket ever saw. You will be missed, Simon and all the very best for your future endeavors.

POSTED BY
Balumekka
on | September 27, 2012, 5:57 GMT

Its sad that we won't see him on the middle. Probably the best umpire we have seen after retirement of Dickey Bird. Very accurate, friendly yet authoritative. He had set high standards for umpiring which were followed by people like Aleem Dar and Dharmasena.

POSTED BY
on | September 27, 2012, 5:38 GMT

@KALPANA I was feeling so sad and depressed while reading these comments about losing the best umpire and a true gentleman we all loved, but your comments really made me laugh " why such a decision, JUST TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH HIS FAMILY, HE WILL GET BORED OF IT IN A FEW YEARS" ( By 'IT' you obviously meant his wife ). I understand your emotions and your anguish at the reason of his retirement. Thank you for cheering me up.

POSTED BY
FazleAbed
on | September 27, 2012, 5:25 GMT

Thanks to Yuvraj. For him he was able to stood as umpire in 2011 world cup. Congrats for a wonderful career. Thank you so much. Wish you all the happiness in your near future.

POSTED BY
madhan17
on | September 27, 2012, 5:18 GMT

We miss you so much Taufel, the best in the business is going to leave the filed, hope he will be in final of T20 WC, like to see 2007 rematch Ind vs Pak in final, that's a great send off to saimon, now only i know that he is a fast bowler, but stop playing because of injury, so sad on that, but that gives one of the best umpire to us, All the best Saimon Taufel, i salute u,

POSTED BY
jonesy2
on | September 27, 2012, 4:57 GMT

ah well done simon. the best umpire we have had in my opinion and im sure a lot of others opinion.

POSTED BY
on | September 27, 2012, 4:39 GMT

Along with Dickie Bird, I will rate Simon Taufel the top two best Umpires in the World. We are definitely going to miss him in the International Matches. Even though I fully agree that he will be able to spend more time with his family, why Simon. The new position would have been to some one who is already retired. We will miss very good Umpire in officiating important matches.

Anyway, all the best in his new assignment. I am confident that he will be able to create new World class Umpires.

POSTED BY
on | September 27, 2012, 4:28 GMT

its realy a very bad news for all the cricket fans dat a very fine n accurate umpire at the international lebel z goin to retire from his profession....he had a outstinding record in cricket history as a young n very accurate wid his decisions....i think he z the youngest to included in icc panel at the age of only 27...he takes five consecutive icc umpire of the year from 2004 t0 2008 which was an great achivement....so thanks 4 all dis n have a great future ahead.....ALL THE BEST SIMON.....

POSTED BY
kb_joker
on | September 27, 2012, 4:26 GMT

All the best Simon! One of the best umpires to grace the cricket field! Thank you!

POSTED BY
MelbourneMiracle
on | September 27, 2012, 3:58 GMT

One of the great umpires I've ever seen! You will be dearly missed Mr.Taufel! We wish you very good luck in your future position and we've no doubt that you will do a super job in that position as well! Thank you sir for the fantastic service you did for Cricket!

POSTED BY
aaqil-cricketfan
on | September 27, 2012, 3:13 GMT

He is a great umpire and done a lot to the great game of cricket.And the world cricket is going to miss him.Best of luck to you sir in your new post.

POSTED BY
on | September 27, 2012, 3:09 GMT

World Cricket will miss a finest umpire in the middle

POSTED BY
bhushanb732
on | September 27, 2012, 3:09 GMT

We will alwaya miss him for his accurate decisions..!
He was the one who was signaling sixes for yuvraj vs stuart broad at kingsmead. He will also be remembered for that.

POSTED BY
on | September 27, 2012, 1:42 GMT

With nearly infallible eyesight skills and those crucial decision makings, Simon Taufel set high standards for himself and has left big shoes for someone to fill in. His game was never biased, and although he will be forgotten rather quickly, his presence will still be felt during those times when his deputy makes foolish mistakes! Good luck for the future, Taufel!

POSTED BY
kempy21
on | September 27, 2012, 1:31 GMT

Well done on a fantastic career Simon. You have been my favourite umpire (and my inspiration as an aspiring umpire) for years and I think technically the most proficient the game has seen in a long time. My dad speaks about Dicky Bird, but I think this generation will speak about you in glowing terms. Best of luck for the future in your new role. With you taking a lead role in global umpire training and development the game's in wonderful hands.

POSTED BY
on | September 27, 2012, 0:58 GMT

The best umpire i have ever seen....I can't remember any poor decisions he gave.....He has good personality and good umpiring so far...so miss you...

, you have made an invaluable contribution to the great game of cricket. Your standards may be equaled but hardly surpassed. In your new position we may look forward to ongoing development of umpires to similar standards of impartiality and excellence. I would like to see some attention to development of umpiring in the Caribbean which is at a rather low ebb. Since the retirement of Steve Bucknor there has been a void. Lack of funding and a proper program and opportunities to officiate at regularly at higher levels of the game all contribute to this situation which seriously affects the development of players and the enjoyment of spectators

POSTED BY
Stateside_Steve
on | September 27, 2012, 0:58 GMT

The sight of Simon Taufel on the field just elevated the magnitude of the game. To me, all the big matches that he stood in became that much more bigger every time I saw him on TV. It goes to say what a high quality work he has done for a long time. Glad he is sticking around to impart his vast knowledge around the cricketing world. No doubt he will excel there as well.

POSTED BY
Natx
on | September 26, 2012, 23:48 GMT

Great umpire - period. He set very high standards for umpiring, same as his countrymen do in batting and bowling, and as someone pointed out in the thread he did some mistakes last year which must have made him think. What a man and no wonder he was rated the best for so many years in a row. Good decision now to take care of family yet available to groom the next set of umpires. All the best, Simon. Aleem Dar is the lone man standing now until other folks in the panel step up fill to the void.

POSTED BY
2.14istherunrate
on | September 26, 2012, 23:01 GMT

As fine an umpire as ever took the white coat- totally awesome. Somehow looking at his face instinctively one knows his eyes are so accurate in their summation. If I did not know better I would have thought he had retired out of protest at Dharmasena's winning the ICC gong. I would have thought it was fairly ill-advised bothering with DRS when he was the umpire making the diecision.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 22:43 GMT

One of the World's best . You will be surely missed . Good luck in your new post .
Thanks .Simon Taufel.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 22:18 GMT

One of the greatest umpires the game has seen and if he can impart the same technical and inter-personal skills that he has to others in his new role, the game will be much richer. These remarks are made by a 'dyed-in-the wool' Pom about an Aussie, so he must be good!.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 21:17 GMT

Hey Simon, you inspired me into becoming an umpire so thankyou for that. Your presence on the field will be missed. Good luck with the new job. Going to get any grade cricket in now?

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 20:08 GMT

Simon has been a good and excellent match official. all the best for the future. I am sure he will help ICC in making great ones like him. but he is always my no1.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 19:08 GMT

Near to 100% record..a legend in umpiring terms at a very young age.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 19:03 GMT

Does this have to do with his protest over technology inclusion?

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 18:59 GMT

great umpire and will be missed by the game..good luck ...

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 18:58 GMT

great great umpire indeed. And now that ICC has found Dharmasena to be the best umpire in the world, i am terrified.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 18:49 GMT

One of the best umpire. We'll miss him for sure!

POSTED BY
kazam_razaq
on | September 26, 2012, 18:40 GMT

cricket needs him.he & Aleem Dar both r excellant umpires & if he cant umpire for his family atleast he should give his fans something by standing in major tournaments.A true gentleman & a very respected umpire

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 18:18 GMT

we will definitely miss him..best of luck!!!

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 18:15 GMT

We wil miss u taufel :( you are my fav. umpire always fare :((

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 18:03 GMT

Simon, "Do not" go back :)

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 18:03 GMT

probably the best umpire cricket has produced after David Shepherd

POSTED BY
Amit59
on | September 26, 2012, 17:57 GMT

Best of luck Simon Taufel in what ever you do next.

POSTED BY
roven23
on | September 26, 2012, 17:38 GMT

Cricket world would miss him but I am sure he shall excel in whatever he does, like many have said he was and will continue to be a role model for many years to come.

POSTED BY
gsamiru
on | September 26, 2012, 17:35 GMT

A truly great umpire who is almost 100% correct ............. Cricket will miss you !
Have a bright future ahead ............ and here is a big salute for the amazing service you gave for Cricket !

POSTED BY
pappu15
on | September 26, 2012, 17:27 GMT

Very wise man!! he will be missed and Good Luck to him for his new career.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 17:23 GMT

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 17:20 GMT

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 17:01 GMT

one of the best umpire i have ever seen

POSTED BY
vish2879
on | September 26, 2012, 16:58 GMT

Nobody can replace Simon!!!!.... Great umpire...Gud luck to you sir...

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 16:52 GMT

Why Simon at such an young age ? Pl reconsider.

POSTED BY
yorkslanka
on | September 26, 2012, 16:49 GMT

great umpire and will be missed by the game..good luck ...

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 16:45 GMT

We missed a Great Umpire.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 16:43 GMT

And and entertaining one, too. Will miss him.

POSTED BY
balajik1968
on | September 26, 2012, 16:15 GMT

He was a good umpire. I looked up his age just today. He could have carried on for a few more years, but ultimately he is the best judge. Good luck Simon Taufel.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 16:13 GMT

great person as well as a great umpire.. will be missed.. Godd luck Taufel...

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 16:13 GMT

Hats off Simon Taufel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

POSTED BY
wolf777
on | September 26, 2012, 16:12 GMT

One of the best....Simon Taufel...Good luck...adios!

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 16:07 GMT

A great umpire and a role model is retiring. Probably the best since dicky bird and one of the most respected.

POSTED BY
Indian_Fan09
on | September 26, 2012, 16:00 GMT

Bye bye the best umpire in the world!! All the best for the future!!

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 15:52 GMT

He's one of the Best Umpire I have Ever Seen after David Shepperd...

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 15:52 GMT

wishing him best future ahead but also sad that he ll not be seen on tv and grounds often...such people r beauty of the game....

POSTED BY
FreddyForPrimeMinister
on | September 26, 2012, 15:48 GMT

@sundoo on (September 26 2012, 13:07 PM GMT) - great call, mate! I always believed that umpires make the best judge of players as they see them day in and day out, from the best vantage point. They can also judge a player's character by what they see, hear and feel from such close quarters. A book by Simon Taufel will make for a far better read than the vast majority of any memoires from past (and especially present!) players. It would be good to hear who he regards as the most respectful individuals and teams as this is I believe the core value of cricket as a sport. Win, yes - but not at ANY cost... Get your pen and paper out now, Mr Taufel!

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 15:41 GMT

Can be told as the best umpire of modern era!!!

POSTED BY
gudolerhum
on | September 26, 2012, 15:34 GMT

Well done Simon Taufel, you have made an invaluable contribution to the great game of cricket. Your standards may be equaled but hardly surpassed. In your new position we may look forward to ongoing development of umpires to similar standards of impartiality and excellence.
I would like to see some attention to development of umpiring in the Caribbean which is at a rather low ebb. Since the retirement of Steve Bucknor there has been a void. Lack of funding and a proper program and opportunities to officiate at regularly at higher levels of the game all contribute to this situation which seriously affects the development of players and the enjoyment of spectators.

POSTED BY
bigdhonifan
on | September 26, 2012, 15:19 GMT

Sachin Tendulkar of Umpiring. Simon the Legend.

POSTED BY
Biggus
on | September 26, 2012, 15:16 GMT

One of the downsides of the neutral umpires system is that when he is promoted to the elite panel he is largely lost to his home nation, so Aussies haven't seen as much of him lately as we might have liked. It's nice to see the great esteem in which he's held elsewhere, and it makes me feel a little proud that he's one of ours, but he's been away much of the last 10 years and he's got young kids to see growing up and a wife to be with. He's been an absolute champ and he's earnt some time off. I shall raise a glass for him....Cheers Simon!

POSTED BY
Rick777
on | September 26, 2012, 15:14 GMT

I really loved ST, the way he changed the thinking of the people in the modern era. When the neutral umpires system was brought in people thought it would do allot of good as most of the time the home umpires didn't play fair. But ST changed that for the best we could clearly see it has changed all over the world even when home umpires do officiate. It started all with ST. All the best ST for your future role. You will be missed on the field.

POSTED BY
lethalbouncer
on | September 26, 2012, 15:10 GMT

A fantastic umpire and a fantastic human being! Will be missed around the world. Hope you can instill your fair-mindedness and understated intelligence into the ICC. Good luck buddy!

POSTED BY
marlon17
on | September 26, 2012, 15:00 GMT

The best umpair in the world... World cricket will missu so badly...:(

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 14:59 GMT

he is miles ahead of this year's BEST umpire and the one receiving the award for the last two years before that.....I hope and pray that he officiates in IPL at least..Some one said,"He is the Sachin of umpires."....very true...very very true.....we will miss ur calmness and decision-making...I will fondly remember him for two events:he was the umpire when Yuvi smashed six sixes of Broad and he was the one who gave the signal of India winning WC2011 of Dhoni's bat...

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 14:54 GMT

Miss u a PRIDE JUDGE MAN............

POSTED BY
rjain76
on | September 26, 2012, 14:53 GMT

Many times umpires makes wrong decision at the crucial juncture and one of the team gets benefited and they go on to win the game. Post match we keep hearing from expert commentators and captain in presentation discussing those mistakes cost. And at the beginning of the match we spectators always wish nothing goes wrong with umpire decisions. So when we see people like Simon Taufel entering the cricket ground for umpiring there is a kind of confidence that nothing can go wrong with umpire decision and we start feeling this match is going to be fully dependent on players contribution. Such is a character of Simon Taufel. Wish him all the best in his future endeavor.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 14:52 GMT

All the best to you Simon!!

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 14:48 GMT

One of the great Umpires in Cricket.! You will be missed!!

POSTED BY
Rushikey
on | September 26, 2012, 14:47 GMT

We will see him in IPL, I guess

POSTED BY
YogifromNY
on | September 26, 2012, 14:40 GMT

Brilliant umpire. To be honest, I love watching games where he is umpiring. His calm demeanor, phenomenal umpiring skills (just one example - giving not out when to the naked eye it looks totally out, and then the replays prove him right, leaving everyone dumbfounded with his skill and focus), and affable yet firm handling of the players.

Simon, take a bow. You should be mighty happy with your career and proud of your legacy. I am a US-based Indian cricket fan, and I felt a big sense of (cricketing) loss today as I read this article. But - happy that you will help the ICC groom future umpires. God bless you.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 14:32 GMT

Will Miss you Simon.... by far the best umpire !!

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 14:31 GMT

Good luck to him, truely an umpire most cricket viewers and players respect. I hope he can pass on his skills to others in his new role. We need a lot more officials like him in the sport.

POSTED BY
maddy20
on | September 26, 2012, 14:25 GMT

Finally ICC uses its head to create a training programme. The likes of Taufel. Rauf, Dar and Bowden will have a big role to play, post retirement. All the best in your future endeavors Mr.Taufel . You will always be the No.1 umpire in my book.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 14:15 GMT

i love this man, he is the most honest , and unbiased umpire i have seen, and has always made the right decision! i hope we can find an umpire who can do the same in the future like him!

POSTED BY
Shafin1987
on | September 26, 2012, 14:13 GMT

What a personality he is.........true gentleman..........i will miss him..........arguably the best ever in history.............wish him a prosperous future with his family.................good luck...........................from bangladesh.

POSTED BY
zubair01
on | September 26, 2012, 14:09 GMT

We'll miss you Simon ... I hope cricket gets all the umpires just as you so that questionable/dubious decisions be minimised to negligible ... and with it the debate for DRS will finally get over.

POSTED BY
JimDavis
on | September 26, 2012, 13:54 GMT

He was the best of the best. Was always a little annoying that he wasn't able to stand in any Australian games. No doubt he would have sorted Ponting and Watson out given half the chance.

POSTED BY
vipravara
on | September 26, 2012, 13:52 GMT

Compared to early times, while the cricket batsmen got protection with helmets, the umpires are getting scrutinized more for their decisions with the advent of technology in modern times. Surviving such tough times with aplomb dignity is NOT a joke. Hats off to you, Simon for a near impeccable career as umpire. Wish you, happy times with the family and your endeavors in improving umpiring. I wonder, if people resort to Robot umpiring in future, perhaps, a Simon or an Aleem Dar may be taken as a model.- a cricket lover from India

POSTED BY
keptalittlelow
on | September 26, 2012, 13:39 GMT

A fantastic umpire, a brilliant man-manager, and above all a thorough gentleman who will be missed by all the cricket lovers. Well done Simon and best of luck for the future.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 13:36 GMT

Most respectable person in the world as an umpire. All the best for your better future.

POSTED BY
FreddyForPrimeMinister
on | September 26, 2012, 13:26 GMT

Though English, I always felt that David Shepherd and Dickie Bird made their names in umpiring predominantly because they were such characters. Simon Taufel on the other hand made his name simply by being the best umpire in terms of decision making; with this, allied to his natural calm temperament, he gained the respect of virtually every player he officiated. Fortunately, with the likes of Aleem Dar and Asad Rauf, we have a new generation of first rate umpires and hopefully, with Simon Taufel's new position, we'll continue to see officials that I believe are the best in any sport. Congratulations on a stunning career, Simon and best wishes for the future from all of us in England.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 13:22 GMT

Of late, there have been a few wrong calls and he has not lived up to his own high standards he set the past few years.Still he remains one of the best in the business. I have often been dumbfounded in the past with few of his decisions that I felt were apparently impossible to make with the naked eye. Cricket will surely need DRS after his retirement.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 13:16 GMT

Best Cricket Umpire in the world. He is the Sachin Tendulkar of Umpires.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 13:15 GMT

He is such an asset to cricket... He have dedicated himself to cricket... Once he got injured, he might have chosen some other profession but due to his deep attachments to cricket, he became an umpire which is not that lucrative, so that he can be involved in cricket itself... Hats off to his dedication....

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 13:15 GMT

He is a Great Umpire .........................................................................................................

POSTED BY
sundoo
on | September 26, 2012, 13:07 GMT

Handsome is what handsome does. Par excellence Umpire who controlled the game very well in his own firm way -with a smile. Hope he writes his 'Memoires' on his observations and his own take on Best Batsman,bowler ,fielder etc. And also anecdotes and asides.Hope also he trains some Indians as umpires with thee active help from the reluctant BCCI.

POSTED BY
Viky_Robin
on | September 26, 2012, 13:05 GMT

All The BEST ST. One among the Best

POSTED BY
matbhuvi
on | September 26, 2012, 12:42 GMT

Good luck Taufel. Thanks for being such a wonderful umpire. If only all the umpires are like you, there is no need for DRS.

POSTED BY
DeathKnell
on | September 26, 2012, 12:40 GMT

I think once he is retired, the overall average of umpiring consistency will be go down drastically.

POSTED BY
Unmesh_cric
on | September 26, 2012, 12:37 GMT

Overall, the best umpire in the last decade. There is already a shortage of good umpires in world cricket and this is going to be a big blow. But it appears he will be involved in developing and tranining new umpires. All the best Mr. Taufel and thank you for your wonderful umpiring over the years!

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 12:36 GMT

Since I am watching the game of cricket, 2 umpires have really been favourite of mine: David Shepherd and Simon Taufel. the former has already retired and the latter is going to do soon . International Cricket will surely miss such a great umpire....... hats off to his great career.....

POSTED BY
Sageleaf
on | September 26, 2012, 12:32 GMT

Today, Im sad..its not only cricket players who has an impact on fans even umpires do. Simon you have been a gr8 umpire and a wonderful ambassador to your county also to me and loads of fans who loves you. It's also great to have met you few times. When lots of people like you from different countries means you have to be great and you are Sir! All the very best for your future endeavors. We will all miss you! God Bless you!

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 12:31 GMT

Mr.Simon Taufel is all time best umpire in all format and has no alternate, all world miss him. Simon has been one of the most respected umpires in all over world and he has been a role model for umpires throughout the world who look to him for inspiration and guidance.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 12:31 GMT

I really like him. Great Australian.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 12:27 GMT

please dont go ....come againe ..i miss u vustly please please

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 12:18 GMT

My greatest salute to the all time great taufel, it is a privilege to have a training session with him in Singapore , the age in which the umpires make debut but Simon is retiring , he may be replaced by some as the best for the last few years but simply he is the best. Good luck sir for your future, we gonna miss you sir.... Salute...

POSTED BY
kentjones
on | September 26, 2012, 12:16 GMT

Mr. Taufel, thank you for your wonderful years of service to the game. Your professional approach and objective decision making on the field raised the profile of cricket as a sport. All the best in your new endeavour. With your track record we are guaranteed excellence in this field of umpire performance and no doubt will ultimately lead to even higher levels of on field game arbitration.

POSTED BY
ak_dragon
on | September 26, 2012, 12:08 GMT

Good Luck Mr.Taufel.....Hats off 4 another Aussie LEGEND

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 11:51 GMT

The best umpire we had for the past decade. Happy retirement .
Will miss those accurate decisions and have to wait for drs more often.

POSTED BY
ishandeoctopus
on | September 26, 2012, 11:47 GMT

The best empire i have seen making onfield decision since i have been watching the gave after David Shepherd. Sad for him to leave us but his decision were starting to be reviewed and overturned a lot in the last year specially in the South Africa-England series and in the U.A.E where he really missed a few. I feel the DRS has lead to his downfall in the last year, i am sure the family must be first but i am sure his out of form umpiring in the last year has contributed hence he was not voted Umpire of the year this year. to the decision and the kind of Man he is, he will be the first to admit and move on. Maybe he can make a come back in a few years time...

POSTED BY
correctcall
on | September 26, 2012, 11:34 GMT

Simon you have made an outstanding contribution to cricket during your impeccable umpiring career. You can make a further mark in the future by managing the universal adoption of DRS for all ICC Full Member international matches. This means placing the technology under the direct control of ICC Elite Umpiring Panel and negotiating with the broadcasters for its use. Also negotiating for sponsorship rights for DRS. This way India should come onboard due to strict controls and the technology being self financing. You are the ideal person to pilot this to fruition. Over to you Dave Richardson and Alan Isaacs - here is the perfect opportunity to get all international cricket back on a level playing field.

POSTED BY
satish619chandar
on | September 26, 2012, 11:29 GMT

Cricket will be losing one of its best servant. One of the most respected umpires by almost every member. Thanks for all your great work and have a blissful life ahead.

POSTED BY
Beertjie
on | September 26, 2012, 11:22 GMT

Definitely the best ever Aussie umpire - go well Simon and who knows? May be you'll be back in the middle again some time

POSTED BY
criclight
on | September 26, 2012, 11:08 GMT

Great umpire, big loss for fans of cricket, We will miss you.....

POSTED BY
trueanalyst
on | September 26, 2012, 10:57 GMT

The best Umpire along with Aleen Dar.Wish you all the best.

POSTED BY
sichu_emerald
on | September 26, 2012, 10:56 GMT

Mr. Taufel, what a man you are, HATS OFF to you, barring probably couple of your decisions, rest all were absolute plumb when reviewed in DRS. I admired the way you administer the GAME and many thanks for that spirit you gave to your fellow umpires. All the very best for your new role, with that am rest assured that the game of cricket will have many more Simons in the years to come.

POSTED BY
npc_cricketlover
on | September 26, 2012, 10:49 GMT

He has been such a great umpire with high precision and concentration all through his career. He always seemed to be calm and it was such a pleasure watching Simon Taufel umpiring. Only with his umpiring i came to know that watching umpiring decisions is also quite interesting.
I used to wait for a decision of his hoping that it would be given wrong by the technology, but my wait had been futile.
I then started to watch his umpiring with eagerness anticipating that a team which went for the DRS against his decision would only end up losing one DRS point from their side...
Great career so far and wish you the same ahead!

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 10:44 GMT

hail taufel........................

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 10:44 GMT

In the history of Cricket, we gonna miss one of the great and honest which rarely can be seen as an umpire who has been ICC's Umpire for successive 5 times. He may be replaced from the ground but he will always be in our heart.... Missing U a lot Taufel in the cricket ground !!!!
Congratulations on a great umpiring career :)

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 10:37 GMT

A legend, up there with the modern greats , such as Dickie Bird and David Shepherd.

With him in the ICC, the level can only get better.

POSTED BY
Rock_cricket
on | September 26, 2012, 10:36 GMT

We will miss your services Simon. all the best

POSTED BY
ashes61
on | September 26, 2012, 10:19 GMT

Further to my remarks a moment ago on Simon Tauffel it would be important to add that Aleem Dar has performed at the very top during the same era as Tauffel - & has alternated with ST as the best in the world for some years. Again, a calm handler of sticky situations & a very high correct decision rating. He has been the "flag-bearer" of umpires from the sub-continent and has gone some way towards demonstrating that umpires from that region have hopefully come a long way since the period between the 1950s & 1990s! He is, quite simply, superb. The top umpires of previous eras were always English (a fact - not arrogance on my part) because they were, almost, the only professionals in the world & were almost invariably former1st class cricketers. But modern technological scrutiny suggests that their correct decision levels were probably lower than we thought at the time. To be honest, AUS umpires had an awful reputation in those days too! All those on the top panel are very good today.

POSTED BY
Samar_Singh
on | September 26, 2012, 10:15 GMT

Mr Simon Taufel has no replacement.. He is the best in the business. I feel lucky to have witnessed him .. Good Luck ahead..

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 10:09 GMT

he is good umpire, I will miss him coz i dont trust all umpires' decision. first comment mai aik indian ghoron ke utha rha hai.... lolx

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 10:05 GMT

Always happy to be in the background, the sign of a good umpire in any sport !

POSTED BY
TommytuckerSaffa
on | September 26, 2012, 10:03 GMT

very very good umpire, up there with the best. Huge loss for us especially for any teams who play against india with NO DRS....
On the flip side Daryll Hare was the most shoking umpire ever produced.

Unquestionably a great umpire. The best of his time, & (given the very difficult conditions under which they now have to work, & given that the decisions of all the former top umpires such as Chester, Lee, Elliott, Crapp, Fagg, Bird, Shepherd etc - were never subjected to today's scrutiny) Tauffel must be one of the best of all time & quite possibly THE best. When I sit down to watch a match on TV, an air of assurance immediately suffuses me when I see him because the match is demonstrably in safe hands. Top umpires no longer stand in Tests involving their own country but I'm certain that any ENG follower would be perfectly happy for Taufel to officiate in all 5 matches of a vital Ashes series - & at both ends if necessary! Those who wonder why he has stepped down at such a young age may not realise that they travel FAR more than any international team & are always "on the road." He has a family - I suspect his own children have hardly ever seen him. Right time to go - well done ST.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 9:50 GMT

Taufel: You are 100 times better umpire then our neighbor hood cricket team umpire. We had to pay him for each LBW out given of opposite team. You don't charge anything.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 9:50 GMT

Definitely he was a fantastic umpire and nice piece of writing this one. One thing I don't understand that is it necessary to mention one bad event terrorist attack in Pakistan 2009. It is not fair to mention it again and again in every bite of writing. Bad time has passed now no need to memorize that event again and again it reduces the taste and glory of cricket. Columnist should also show some spirit and sportsmanship and should give respect to cricket teams, players officials and nations.

POSTED BY
SanatAttavar
on | September 26, 2012, 9:48 GMT

Really a very nice move from on field to off field, makes a lot of sense to train the others into being as good umpires, to set and check standards. One of the very few figures in a cricket field which would bring a sense of calm to the viewer. Simon while on the job easily is the best, hats of to ICC to think ahead and give him a larger role. For the first time you can really see people thinking ahead. Alls well that ends well. Simon thank you for the years of fair decision making, which is what gave the viewer the actual sense of calm.

POSTED BY
concerned_cricketer
on | September 26, 2012, 9:45 GMT

What a blow for cricket watchers! but hopefully he will be able to use his skills to produce a crop of excellent umpires. He was so stylish and so accurate all the time. Almost super human. He is as big an ambassador of cricket as Sangakkara or Tendulkar or Dravid or Holding. What amazes me all the time is his perfect combination of friendliness and firmness. Hope the younger generation of umpires try to emulate him in achieving excellence.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 9:41 GMT

he z the best umpire by far because not only for his umpireing skills but also for his spirit as a official.......he z the most respectable umpire....

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 9:40 GMT

All the best for u....cricket fun's will miss u.Specially Bangladeshi fun's..ALL THE BEST.

POSTED BY
kensohatter
on | September 26, 2012, 9:36 GMT

Even in umpires Australia has dominated the last 15yrs!

POSTED BY
Sudeeksh
on | September 26, 2012, 9:36 GMT

All the best Simon!!! :) You indeed have a Hawk-eye!! Your decisions were right 99.99% of times!! Congratulations on a great umpiring career... :)

POSTED BY
Santhosh3186
on | September 26, 2012, 9:32 GMT

One of the best alongside David Shepard, Dickie Bird, S.Venkatragavan, Steve Bucknor, Peter Wille and Aleem Dar
Have a great time ahead Simon!!! He has surely left an impression.

POSTED BY
kensohatter
on | September 26, 2012, 9:30 GMT

@RedandWhitearmy... haha you won a 20/20 trophy and look how proud you are.... its cute! Imagine how happy you will be when you join the big boy nations and win a ODI world cup!!

POSTED BY
tayyab
on | September 26, 2012, 9:30 GMT

All the best mate ... we will miss you on cricket field

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 9:26 GMT

i have never seen such a great umpire in my life..........i felt really very dissapointed when i heard that news....you are great sir..........Such a good person,well disciplined... Hats off Sir... We will miss you... All the best...!!!

POSTED BY
bobmartin
on | September 26, 2012, 9:24 GMT

The standards that Siman Taufel set, both in his demeanour and, more importantly, his decision making should be the benchmark for all umpires. A true gentleman and a credit to his profession.

POSTED BY
vish57
on | September 26, 2012, 9:18 GMT

A great umpire, brought respect to game of cricket; in the category of Dicky Bird, John Sheperd and S Venkataraghavan. When DRS was in place hardly 1 decision of his was reverted in World cup. We thank you for your contribution to game of cricket.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 9:17 GMT

the best umpire ever for cricket

POSTED BY
senthil25
on | September 26, 2012, 9:05 GMT

One of the best Umpire in the world.............this is too early mr. Taufel, but family is more important than anything else........but we miss U lot......U given the 100% correct decsion.

POSTED BY
trapper_101
on | September 26, 2012, 9:01 GMT

It will be a great shame to see you retire. But you have done a great job, we don't need DRS with umpires like you!

POSTED BY
Smack-DAT
on | September 26, 2012, 8:57 GMT

One of the best umpire ever..all the best for future endeavor..

POSTED BY
maverick_ind
on | September 26, 2012, 8:43 GMT

mr taufel!!! you are the best umpire in the world! all the very best. you shall be MISSED!!!!

POSTED BY
pitch_curator
on | September 26, 2012, 8:40 GMT

One of the game's greatest umpires. He will be missed, especially in big games.Even before the DRS came onto the scene, he was one guy who used to get most of his decisions correct. Possibly the first umpire who started giving the pad-bat LBW decisions which were previously thought to be too close to give.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 8:38 GMT

He is the most respected Australian in my life...
Such a good person,well disciplined...
Hats off Sir...
We will miss you...
All the best...!!!

POSTED BY
VJGS
on | September 26, 2012, 8:32 GMT

He was on the best umpires ever seen and also had a great personality. He will be sorely missed.

POSTED BY
indichampion
on | September 26, 2012, 8:29 GMT

Best umpire of last decade or even the best umpire till date. I would rather prefer SimonTtaufel to officiate in an Australia India match than any other umpire. He is way above DRS.

POSTED BY
vyasamit
on | September 26, 2012, 8:26 GMT

It is very unfortunate that we miss Mr.Simon as an umpire. A great umpire in cricketing field since last decade.

POSTED BY
Baber_Baloch
on | September 26, 2012, 8:22 GMT

He did his job nicely ....respectful man....but i think it,s too early...but good luck for next life

POSTED BY
wijitha_srilanka
on | September 26, 2012, 8:20 GMT

All the best to you. You are the best Umpire of this decade!

POSTED BY
rickyvoncanterbury
on | September 26, 2012, 8:18 GMT

@KALPANA thats sad mate.....good luck and thanks Simon.

POSTED BY
praveen4honestremark
on | September 26, 2012, 8:17 GMT

Simon Taufel we will miss you. I rate you as one of the best servant of cricket in terms of maintaining umpiring standards always high. Thank you , and wish you a happy retirement life. Hope you will help cricket in making of some good umpires.:) :)..good bye.

POSTED BY
Z.Saleem
on | September 26, 2012, 8:13 GMT

he is the best and will be remembered as the best......he has made the right decision to say good-bye at his peak when people are saying why, why are you retiring, rather than some umpires who took retirement and people were already saying why are you not going (like Billy Doctrove)....

Best of luck to Simon, we will miss your presence!

POSTED BY
DustyBin
on | September 26, 2012, 8:09 GMT

what DRS has proven, is just how truly excellent, the current generation of international umpires is. DRS has increased respect for the skill (verging on brilliance) of the umpires, like Taufel, that we now have. After a review you almost inevitably hear "Another good decision by umpire x". Why do some cricket boards still fear & reject DRS?

POSTED BY
RednWhiteArmy
on | September 26, 2012, 8:09 GMT

Q. What do you call an australian at the T20 final?

A. Simon Taufel

POSTED BY
Jeyan_Sinthu
on | September 26, 2012, 8:06 GMT

What a personality he is.... Going to miss u a lot Simon. Surely It will affect hugely in Cricket Arena. Undoubtably it's a major void and very hard to fill for many years. Best of Luck Simon....!!!

POSTED BY
solankibhavesh
on | September 26, 2012, 8:05 GMT

Its bad news for criketing world becos we have a few good umpire in cricket like taufel but family comes frist so good luck taufel and best wishes for new role in cricket world................

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 8:04 GMT

He was off his game the past year. But still amongst the best, which says as much about the rest of the umpires line-up as it does about his brilliance.

POSTED BY
Game_Gazer
on | September 26, 2012, 8:02 GMT

good decision, no wonder...the schedules of the decade past must have taken toll...believe it, an umpire's job is as physically demanding a job as a player's is !

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 8:02 GMT

One of the finest Umpires the game has seen. Will miss You... Good Luck

POSTED BY
sachinisawesome
on | September 26, 2012, 7:58 GMT

Simon have a great live ahead. Really respect u man. But I am sure he will miss the best seat in the stadium to watch cricket. If I were an umpire I would have never left it....

POSTED BY
ktk2020
on | September 26, 2012, 7:56 GMT

When we see cricket earlier , all old age people are doing umpiring job ,
we thought this post reserved for old and people like that
but Simon Taufel made that change , because of him now young
generation people also start looking this job , that will tribute Simon success
and track record ,
he showed us what umpiring all about at this young age ,
it is not age matters, love for that job make him great people that showed him
thanks lot Simon , u made all umpiring people proud and
respectable Post for young generation ,thanks we miss u ..

POSTED BY
Dashgar
on | September 26, 2012, 7:53 GMT

Congratulations on an amazing career Simon. You'll be missed.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 7:50 GMT

Thanks a lot for your good service

POSTED BY
deadite11
on | September 26, 2012, 7:46 GMT

He was one of the greatest umpires after David shepherd and Rudi koertzen. However he should relax for sometime.

POSTED BY
NFaiq
on | September 26, 2012, 7:45 GMT

Dear Simon Taufel Why This Decision? STILL SACHIN PLAYING CRICKET SO WHY DON'T YOU STAY FOR SOME TIMES!!!
A TRULY HONEST UMPIRE!!
THERE ARE NO REVIEWS NEED WHEN YOU GAVE A DECISION!!

POSTED BY
i_witnessed_2011
on | September 26, 2012, 7:42 GMT

THE BEST umpire... Wish you all the best.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 7:39 GMT

The best umpire i have ever seen....I can't remember any poor decisions he gave.....He has good personality and good umpiring so far...so miss you...

POSTED BY
darkamdusias
on | September 26, 2012, 7:29 GMT

It's a shame to see him go, but he's definitely earned it. Here's hoping that he finds his new calling fulfilling. :)

POSTED BY
NepaliAnil
on | September 26, 2012, 7:28 GMT

You will be missed Simon Taufel !

POSTED BY
naveedqg
on | September 26, 2012, 7:25 GMT

best of luck to him in his coming future no doubt about his excellency on field wish you happy family time

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 7:23 GMT

i think the game will miss him, but than its his decision to quit so we all shld respect it . lets give him three cheers ... al the best simon for future commitments. cheers.. regards from India.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 7:21 GMT

we have wrote lots of things for players but u r the first non playing man but u comes before players comes and go out after they go u r always up to 100% mark for decission u always respected man on field i like u when u give little smile in tense matches good luck Simon thanx for being s good umpire a man like Dravid.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 7:17 GMT

We miss you so much Taufel. You are one of the best Umpiring Officials I have ever seen. You are highly respectable among the cricket community around the world. You are an excellant decision maker. You are very close to the players in the field too. To find such an excellant character in the field, will be difficult in the near furture. Though it's an early retirement which gives little pain to the cricketing world, you have not decided to give up the golden cricket. Your next assignment will definitely support the next umpiring generation which would indeed minimize the errors. I am honestly wishing you to have a wonderful family life by taking up the new appointment. All the very best, Taufel.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 7:15 GMT

I he mad, I'm so angry, why is he doing that.....GO BACK 'TO JOB' SIMON.'

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 7:15 GMT

Good luck Simon.. One of the rare good umpires..

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 7:14 GMT

its better when people ask why now?? not when the questions are raised ,when ??

POSTED BY
MAIQ
on | September 26, 2012, 7:13 GMT

That is really shocking!!

POSTED BY
KALPANA.
on | September 26, 2012, 7:00 GMT

oh god why.. one of the few brilliant guys retiring at 41. he is fit, he is fine, he is good, he is respected.. THEN WHY SUCH A DECISION. JUST TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH THE FAMILY. HE'LL GET BORED OF IT IN A FEW YEARS AND MAY DO A COMEBACK LIKE BRAD HOGG. GOOD LUCK SIMON.. WISHING YOU ALL THE VERY BEST.

POSTED BY
Surajdon9
on | September 26, 2012, 6:59 GMT

Cricket will miss one of the great and honest umpire.............

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 6:56 GMT

Well done, strictly family first, profession next.

POSTED BY
crindo77
on | September 26, 2012, 6:55 GMT

Its not often that umpires develop personalities as distinct as some of the cricketers, or become as famous in their own right. Dicky Bird, David Shepherd, Bucknor, Venky. While Simon has been less flamboyant, he has been the reassuring stamp of quality in every game he has officiated internationally. Cricket fans across the world will surely miss him. Austalia has produced good umpires; out of them I feel Simon is the best. Incontroversial, firm, good humour, and steady, he has been a real asset to the game. I am happy to learn he will pass on his skills to the next generation. Thank you, Mr Taufel, and all the best.

POSTED BY
Kak-mal_Khan
on | September 26, 2012, 6:54 GMT

Sad to hear, hope that you may reverse your decision at a later stage - too good an umpire to step down so soon!

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 6:53 GMT

thou shalt be missed Simon Taufel

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 6:53 GMT

No :( ! He is The Best Umpire !

POSTED BY
colinham
on | September 26, 2012, 6:53 GMT

An unsung hero. A very early retirement from active umpiring, but with an unblemished reputation.

POSTED BY
kkk999
on | September 26, 2012, 6:53 GMT

a true umpire... the combination of him and aleem dar were the great in cricket history.. all d best 4 ur future carrer

POSTED BY
Narbavi
on | September 26, 2012, 6:52 GMT

Oh my goodness, at a time when there is lots of things going on with umpiring standards, the best umpire of this decade decides to quit??

No featured comments at the moment.

POSTED BY
Narbavi
on | September 26, 2012, 6:52 GMT

Oh my goodness, at a time when there is lots of things going on with umpiring standards, the best umpire of this decade decides to quit??

POSTED BY
kkk999
on | September 26, 2012, 6:53 GMT

a true umpire... the combination of him and aleem dar were the great in cricket history.. all d best 4 ur future carrer

POSTED BY
colinham
on | September 26, 2012, 6:53 GMT

An unsung hero. A very early retirement from active umpiring, but with an unblemished reputation.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 6:53 GMT

No :( ! He is The Best Umpire !

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 6:53 GMT

thou shalt be missed Simon Taufel

POSTED BY
Kak-mal_Khan
on | September 26, 2012, 6:54 GMT

Sad to hear, hope that you may reverse your decision at a later stage - too good an umpire to step down so soon!

POSTED BY
crindo77
on | September 26, 2012, 6:55 GMT

Its not often that umpires develop personalities as distinct as some of the cricketers, or become as famous in their own right. Dicky Bird, David Shepherd, Bucknor, Venky. While Simon has been less flamboyant, he has been the reassuring stamp of quality in every game he has officiated internationally. Cricket fans across the world will surely miss him. Austalia has produced good umpires; out of them I feel Simon is the best. Incontroversial, firm, good humour, and steady, he has been a real asset to the game. I am happy to learn he will pass on his skills to the next generation. Thank you, Mr Taufel, and all the best.

POSTED BY
on | September 26, 2012, 6:56 GMT

Well done, strictly family first, profession next.

POSTED BY
Surajdon9
on | September 26, 2012, 6:59 GMT

Cricket will miss one of the great and honest umpire.............

POSTED BY
KALPANA.
on | September 26, 2012, 7:00 GMT

oh god why.. one of the few brilliant guys retiring at 41. he is fit, he is fine, he is good, he is respected.. THEN WHY SUCH A DECISION. JUST TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH THE FAMILY. HE'LL GET BORED OF IT IN A FEW YEARS AND MAY DO A COMEBACK LIKE BRAD HOGG. GOOD LUCK SIMON.. WISHING YOU ALL THE VERY BEST.